Canada’s youngest province: A future to discover
Canada’s youngest province is waiting for you
Do you want to settle in Canada but don’t know which province to choose? Why not consider unpacking your bags in Canada’s youngest province, Newfoundland and Labrador?
This province, the last to join the Confederation, offers an ideal setting for a life project such as expatriation.
This region, covered in vast forests and with one of the lowest costs of living in Canada, is a desirable province for couples and families with children.
As a French speaker, several immigration options will be available to you.
Some facts about Newfoundland and Labrador
Geographical location and population
Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s youngest province! It is also the easternmost province in the country, facing the Labrador Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
It spans over 405,720 km² and is home to more than 521,542 residents.
The province is divided into two regions: in the north, Labrador, which is made up of three sub-regions, and in the south, the island of Newfoundland, which consists of four sub-regions.
The province is covered in vast forests, and much of it remains uninhabited. If you enjoy observing wildlife, you might come across caribou, bears, foxes, lynx, and many other species that you likely wouldn’t have the chance to see in the wild in your home country!
This natural environment, its wildlife, and peaceful lifestyle attract many newcomers. In fact, the province is full of parks and ecological reserves. In Newfoundland and Labrador, you can even spot whales and icebergs!
What about the climate?
In this province, it’s best not to be sensitive to the cold, the winters are quite harsh and chilly. In summer, there’s no sweltering heat; the weather is generally mild and cool.
For example, temperatures average around -13°C in winter and 15°C in summer.
The climate varies from one region to another: in some parts of the province, you’ll experience a continental climate (moderate winds and precipitation), while in others, the climate is more oceanic (mild temperatures year-round).
If you’re not a fan of extreme heat, you’ll enjoy living in this province!
Francophonie in Newfoundland and Labrador
In addition to being the youngest province in the land of the maple leaf, ‘NL’ is also the most English-speaking province in the country!
There are 2,428 people whose mother tongue is French, representing only 0.5% of the population. In contrast, no less than 97% of the population are English speakers. To settle in this province and successfully integrate, it is therefore recommended to speak English!
If you’re looking for French speakers, they are generally located in the western part of the region, in these three cities: St. John’s, Port au Port, and Labrador City.
Francophone education
If you want your children to receive an education in French, you’ll have five francophone schools to choose from. These schools are managed by the CSFP (Provincial Francophone School Board).
They offer French-language education from kindergarten to Grade 12. You’ll find them in Labrador, the Avalon Peninsula, and the West Coast of the island.
If you’re moving with teenagers, note that options are limited, there is only one university: Memorial University, located in St. John’s. However, the province is also home to one of the largest post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada: College of the North Atlantic.
Good to know: tuition fees in this province are very low, among the lowest in the country, averaging around $2,600 per year.
The city and region of St. John’s
Daily life
The capital of the province is called Saint-Jean in French, or St. John’s in English.
St. John’s is an attractive city, within just a 5-minute drive, you can find yourself by the sea or deep in the boreal forest. It’s the perfect city to settle down!
With over 108,860 residents, it is the largest city in the province.
Located at the eastern tip of the island, the city is known for its ports, colorful houses, and unique architecture. It also boasts a rich historical heritage.
Looking for a change of scenery? Then the capital is for you, some bloggers and locals even compare it to San Francisco!
Settlement
If you are a French speaker and wish to settle in this province, you can receive support through various programs and services. Several francophone organizations are active in the province, such as the Portail des francophones de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador and the Association francophone du Labrador.
The cost of living in Newfoundland is relatively low, and you can easily enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle if you have a job in the secondary sector.
The job sectors hiring in Newfoundland and Labrador
Previously, the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador was primarily based on fishing, but it has since diversified.
Today, it relies more on oil and gas production, agriculture, aquaculture, and tourism (prior to the pandemic).
The province offers many employment opportunities and is constantly seeking skilled labor.
Indeed, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador aims to attract newcomers to settle there. To achieve this, the authorities are relying in particular on the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program.
This immigration program allows for the selection of skilled workers and entrepreneurs who meet the province’s labor market needs.
Looking for a job in Canada? Start by uploading your resume to our Immijob platform.
Which immigration program should you choose?
If you wish to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador, your immigration program will be determined based on your profile, age, education, or professional experience. There are several options available.
One of the most popular programs among prospective Francophone immigrants is the Express Entry program. Aimed at obtaining permanent resident status, this program is an excellent option for Francophones wishing to settle in an English-speaking province.
However, it is not the most commonly used program in the province. For your information, in 2019, 123 permanent residence applications were received through Express Entry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
There are many options! For more information, feel free to contact our professionals.
Some unique facts
Wondering what sets Canada’s youngest province apart from the others? Here are a few unique features.
George Street in St. John’s has the most bars per square meter in all of Canada. So, outside of pandemic times, if you enjoy partying or simply having a drink, you’ll have plenty of options!
If you love the sea, islands, and have a desire to discover France, you can be just an hour away by boat. Welcome to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
If this province appeals to you, we’re happy to offer a free pre-assessment of your options. And whatever your plans may be, our team of immigration professionals is always available to support you throughout the process.